Breaking Lorca

by Giles Blunt

A master crime writer trains every weapon in his arsenal on a crime against humanity.

In 1980s El Salvador, a young woman is detained in a government torture squad’s head-quarters, suspected of supporting guerilla forces. There, a bookish new recruit, Victor Peña, is assigned to assist in her interrogation. Before they learn so much as her name—Lorca—the squad relentlessly break her, body and soul. It is a terrifying journey into human cruelty and courage, one which years later—in the pinnacle of cosmopolitan America—still haunts the tormentor as dramatically as it does his victim.

Genres: Fiction, War, Mystery, Crime, Canada, Historical Fiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published February 17, 2009

About the author

Giles Blunt (born 1952 in Windsor, Ontario) is a Canadian novelist and screenwriter. His first novel, Cold Eye, was a psychological thriller set in the New York art world, which was made into the French movie Les Couleurs du diable (Allain Jessua, 1997).

He is also the author of the John Cardinal novels, set in the small town of Algonquin Bay, in Northern Ontario. Blunt grew up in North Bay, and Algonquin Bay is North Bay very thinly disguised — for example, Blunt retains the names of major streets and the two lakes (Trout Lake and Lake Nipissing) that the town sits between, the physical layout of the two places is the same, and he describes Algonquin Bay as being in the same geographical location as North Bay.

The first Cardinal story, Forty Words for Sorrow, won the British Crime Writers' Silver Dagger, and the second, The Delicate Storm, won the Crime Writers of Canada's Arthur Ellis Award for best novel.

More recently he has written No Such Creature, a "road novel" set in the American southwest, and Breaking Lorca, which is set in a clandestine jail in El Salvador in the 1980s. His novels have been compared to the work of Ian Rankin and Cormac McCarthy.

Series:
* John Cardinal and Lise Delorme Mystery

Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best Novel (2004): The Delicate Storm
Crime Writers' Association Silver Dagger
◊ 2001: Forty Words for Sorrow

Reviews

[Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was unbelievable what humans are capable of doing to other humans without the slightest realization of what they were doing was horribly wrong.
What I found shocking was that the Captain was such a family man with a loving wife and two innocent children and a seemingly devoted christian but at the same time a cruel and heartless monster that raped, tortured and killed people.
Overall I think the book was accurate in depicting the event and was very well written. The book has also made me less ignorant to crimes against humanity and my heart goes out to anyone who was effected by this civil war.

[Wayward Daughter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was simply written with a simple premise. I liked that it didn’t over complicate Victor’s story and, unlike many other books that I have read, the flashback scenes were short, necessary, and served an immediate purpose. Lorca’s torture is gruesome without being indulgent. Those “scenes” struck something in me that spoke of the terror, pain, and hopelessness she must have felt. Victor’s journey from coward to “hero” was predictable, but flowed wonderfully; his fear of his uncle and men at the school, and even of telling Lorca his identity is almost palpable. In some ways, it really was a powerful story.

My only complaint about this book is that the Uncle and Tito ended up getting their hands on Lorca again. I understand why, and I liked that Mr. Wheat was tied back into the story even if he never received justice in the end. Lorca had been through enough and being retraumatized like that…how do you come back from that??

I will definitely pick up something else by this author in the future.

[Marion Marshall · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was so disappointed reading this book. I've been a big fan of Giles Blunt's crime fiction, even his first book (which isn't excellent but is still very interesting), and so when I saw this at the used bookstore I volunteer at I thought I had to have it!

Just to be clear, I didn't dislike this book because it wasn't crime fiction. I'm not even a huge fan of crime fiction, unless of course its written by Blunt. I hated this book because it was basically one long jerk off to female pain. The main character had potential to be really cool, to break open a story about trauma and healing and accountability -- but instead he fell so, so short of that. And the ending was so rushed and sloppy.

Do yourself a favour and do not buy this book. I endured the graphic descriptions of torture and rape thinking that because it was Giles Blunt, there would be a payoff at the end. There wasn't.

[Randy Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been just enjoying the daylights out of Giles Blunts John Cardinal series when I came across Breaking Lorca in a used book store. I snapped it up! As you've likely discerned this is a one off tale about a reluctant soldier working in a El Salvadoran "Guantanamo" and his relationship with a prisoner he admires. The story of torture is just that, and Blunt uses it as a vehicle to delve deep into the minds of both Pena the soldier and Lorca the prisoner. It was excellent. Two very damaged indiviuals wholly realized. Is it me or has anyone else noticed that Blunt prefers his women seriously messed up? Blunt is on my buy immediately list now.

[Andy Plonka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in El Salvador in the 1980's, Breaking Lorca tells the tale of a young man, nephew of a high ranking official in the Salvadoran army who is forced to carry out acts of atrocity on those civilians arrested on grounds of engaging in terrorist activity. Victor obeys orders because he will be killed if he doesn't, but when he is forced to do things to Lorca, a young woman accused of terrorism. He regrets his cowardice in spades when he meets her again in another setting. Reminiscent of Japanese novels where characters get high marks for suffering and there is no happy ending.

[Sharif Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A crisp, crackling read where the dialogue holds up to some of the best - Cormac McCarthy and Elmore Leonard combined - BREAKING LORCA provides a powerful glimpse into the world of torture and crimes against humanity committed during the Salvadoran Civil War. Because the novel is based on real life horrors, I found it far more psychologically distressing than any horror or crime novel I've ever read. But it was worth the read for its affirmation of humanity and the author's courage in shedding light on such a dark, troubling topic.

[Stefan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breaking Lorca is a deeply disturbing book. The scenes of torture, violence and rape (mostly during the El Salvadoran civil war) are described in graphic, heartrending detail. However, this novel’s bleak cynicism and dark plot is not overwhelming. The scenes of pure humanity, the amazingly vivid passages and the final scene of redemption make Breaking Lorca an insightful, moving novel that is careful not to allow the violence to overshadow the entire story.

[Marien Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rudísimo. Muy bien escrito.

[Sigrid Tolton · Rating 2 out of 5]

The ending, why?!😭

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The amount of torture inflicted by Victor's fellow soldiers and uncle is staggering. Forced to participate by threat of death guilt ridden Victor vows to make amends to the brave Lorca. Or at least get forgiveness. Redemption comes with a high price.
This novel also exposes the US complicity in torture and "disappearances" by San Salvadoran security forces during it's civil war in the 1980s.
Giles Blunt has not only succeeded in shining a bright light on these despicable events but he's also told this very moving story through the eyes of the perpetrators and the victims, making it impossible to ignore.

[Sandra Lockhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breaking Lorca by Giles Blunt was a novel about the El Salvador conflict in the 1980s. The government is aided by the US and certain squads are interrogating expected terrorists or sympathizers--except no one is expected to live through the questioning. Our young recruit, Victor, is being aided by his uncle who is the head of the squad. Victor is not brave and he can not believe what he has to participate in doing. His undoing comes when a young woman is brought in for questioning. This novel was unlike any one that I have read in that it is so visceral.

[Jacqueline Weston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very hard to read, as it was set in a scenario that 99% of us would never find ourselves in, its extremely very well written, so descriptive that it was hard to put down, which could be challenging at times and in a strange way I thoroughly enjoyed the read. Not my first book of Giles Blunt's and look forward to more.

[HJ Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A horrifying account of the worst that humans are capable off. Not an easy read but it is important to hold up and acknowledge what we are capable of doing to each other and how easy it is for a basically ordinary person to be swept along when evil becomes an institution.

[Doriana Bisegna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced interesting story about an El Salvadoran female prisoner called Lorca. The first part of the book is hard to read but all in all the story was very good. Would definitely read more of Blunt's work.

[Joan Barton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read 2009

[Tore Knudsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disturbing but unfortunately a realistic story of torture and remorse.

[Toni Osborne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a taunting and disturbing account of how far people in a position of authority will go in order to obtain what they want and remain in power. Through a compelling and provoking narrative the readers are taken on a harrowing journey where there is no mercy. This vivid and emotionally charged account relates how countrymen are subjected to physical, mental and emotional destruction in order to keep them submissive.

Giles Blunt is known for his "John Cardinal" series but this suspenseful tale is a standalone novel. The first part immerses the reader into a troubled time in the early 80's when El Salvador was in a vicious civil war and the average citizen's life meant nothing to those in power. The second part focuses on two of the citizens who made it to the U.S...

The protagonist is Victor Pena, a former officer, rescued form a firing squad to be a key player in a secret unit dedicated to acquiring intelligence. Victor finds himself out of his depth in this unit, violence and savagery are not part of his makeup, but right now it is his only option to stay alive. Victor soon finds himself up against a mysterious female detainee named Lorca who he cannot help but admire; he finds her strength and determination under prolonged torture to be impressive.

In the last part of the novel, Victor is sent to Fort Bening in the U.S. to hone his training. Once there, he sees an opportunity to escape the position he is in and find freedom. Driven by his conscience, his aim is to locate Lorca who has miraculously survived and is believed to be hiding in New York. He is constantly haunted by past memories and feels he could lessen the pain by redeeming himself in her eyes...

Mr. Blunt's background in TV is evident, the writing is very crisp, the characters are so real and the dialogue creates a virtual picture, the graphic details of torture are horrific and gut wrenching. It is hard to believe people can contemplate doing this to others and carry on life as if nothing happened. This dark novel is not for everyone, it brings to life what is believed to have transpired during a time of political turmoil in El Salvador. Although the ending left me a little disappointed, it had a bit too much flash and bang for a novel, it seems the concluding chapter was meant more for the big screen, nevertheless I enjoyed every page

[Ed]

I was drawn into reading Giles Blunt by the four volumes of his multiple award winning series about John Cardinal & Lise DeLorme, a pair of homicide cops in gritty Algonquin Bay, Canada, that appeared between 2001 and 2006. In 2008 he wrote No Such Creature about 18 year-old Owen Maxwell who travels with his great-uncle Max as a pair of itinerant thieves. In 2009 came Breaking Lorca. With no knowledge of who or what Lorca was and not knowing what was meant by Breaking, I expected another Canadian police procedural or a caper novel. Instead, I found a novel about the torture of prisoners by the military in 1980s El Salvador. It was not a book I would have chosen to read if I had knowledge of the subject matter and in this case it was one I was unable to sustain an interest in and finish. I did find that Blunt has since written two further Cardinal and DeLorme novels, so he is once again on my TBR list.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed Giles Blunt's books. Unfortunately I struggled with Breaking Lorca. Not because how it was written but because of the confronting storyline. I read the first few chapters and for the first time in a long time questioned whether I could read the entire book. If it wasn't for enjoying Blunts previous books I think I would haved stopped reading it. It is a credit to Blunt's writing ability when the reader isn't provided with likeable characters and is faced with moral and human conscience dilema's but can still find compassion for people in completely different but yet similar situations. This is definitely a book that you will continue to ponder long after reading.

[Lester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely HEINOUS!!! Oh how the human can be so very ugly, twisted and beyond my comprehension of any words!!
The is an extremely blunt (yeh..hahah)read. If reading about torture won't scar your brain and keep you from sleeping..then read this book.
I know that this is a 'fictional story'..but it leaves me with the same despair of humans as Marina Nemat's book-Prisoner of Tehran-(non fiction!).
I don't know..maybe if more people read about these happenings..would torture stop?..no..but it might help to stop some..and be a better person of patience and a wee bit of understanding to help anyone that has been hurt.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This really seemed like two different novels, but I liked both of them. Just when I thought I had an idea for what was going to happen next, things changed, and I liked that.

The beginning half is truly horrible and great detail is spent detailing torture techniques. So be warned.

I quite liked the main character, Victor, and he really carried the story for me. I didn't really get attached to any of the others, including Lorca.

[melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are (many) moments in life where I am disgusted by human beings. Reading this book will count as one of them. The torture scenes were very hard. We are animals yes, but other animals will merely kill for survival. They will kill for power of a food source or a shelter or a mate. They will do it quickly and with efficiency. This behaviour I understand. Human willingness to inflict severe physical and mental pain repeatedly on another is a special kind of f*cked up.

[Leigha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant storyline.
Intriguing use of metaphors.
Excellent twist which I did not see coming (which is difficult to do, congratz)

Many of the sentences were rather primitive in that they were short and lacked intricacy.
Characters were slightly underdeveloped.
Seemed unfinished and needed a sequel.

Worth reading

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

OH MY ... how can we humans be so horrific?? the things we have done throughout history to each other .. and WHY then does history repeat????? An eye-opening account of a fictional prison in El Savador ... If you can make it through the 1st half of this book, you will read about one soldier's hope for mercy and forgiveness.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be warned! The first half of the book is absolutely terrible,describing in great detail, the torture of a young El Salvadoran woman. It is not for the squeamish! I know, that this type of torture was true, however, I don't really want to read it in a work of fiction and for that, I would really rate this book lower. However, the second half is well written and I rate it a 4.

[Lissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Won novel from goodreads giveways

I thought it was an amazing novel. The story was absolutly horrible. Just the thought that it does actually happen in the world. It's scary. But for a first read from Giles Blunt, i loved it.

[Brett]

A good book - not great, but good. I especially loved the first half; I found it a wonderful study in human psychology. But for me, the second half was more thriller (albeit GOOD thriller). I wish it had continued the exploration of the human condition so brilliantly handled in the first part.

[Ann-Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Id wanted more of the last third of the book, more excitement. For me, this was where the story started to get really interesting.
I understand the focus on the torture, however, that part lasted to long.

[Orla Hegarty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have previously read this author's excellent mystery books.

He doesn't disappoint with this frightening account of 1980s EL Salvador terrorism. He has proven himself to be an excellent Canadian author and I look forward to seeing more work by him.

[John Pitcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half of this book was a rough read, full of detailed descriptions of torture. the second half was less painful to read and had the potentail to be very touching but it had a very Hollywood ending.